Tool Box Buzz

Metabo W 12-125 HD CED PLUS 5″ Masonry Cutting and Scoring Tool is a Real Problem Solver

The old adage that “Stuff Happens” is alive and well in the construction industry. Well, I cured my most recent construction site “stuff” with the Metabo 5″ Masonry Cutting and Scoring Tool.

Fixing Bad Concrete

I had to fix a section of a poorly constructed concrete floor this past weekend. I measured the defective section as approximately 11 feet long by 4 feet wide. For our “fix”, we decided to chip up the old floor to a depth of more than 2 inches. In addition, we elected to add a stainless steel floor medallion in the new concrete and we added a contrasting aggregate and colored cement into the new area.

We knew that the remedial operation would required a very precise cut between the new and old concrete areas. That is why we selected the Metabo 5″ Masonry Cutting and Scoring Tool equipment to play a key role.

Solving the Problem With Metabo

I introduced the Metabo 12 125 to the concrete flooring subcontractor when they arrived on site. The crew from Triad Associates had not seen this equipment before. In spite of that, they immediately liked the equipment and were enthusiastic to try it out.

Metabo 5″ Masonry Cutting and Scoring Tool Features and Specifications

• System for precise low-dust cutting up to 27 mm deep, indoors and outdoors\
• Long service life for demanding applications: powerful and robust angle grinder with highest power density in its class for quick work progress
• Longer service life, more drive: the Metabo LongLife Motor with patented dust guard, up to 20% more high overload capacity and 50% more torque
• Low vibration side handle Metabo VibraTech (MVT)
• Metabo S-automatic Torque Limiting Clutch: minimizes kick-back to the lowest level when the disc jams unexpectedly – for maximum user protection and swift progress
• Auto-stop carbon brushes to protect the motor
• Suitable for 120 Volt direct current (DC)
• Aluminum flange for long service life using heavy accessories, e.g. diamond discs
• Extraction hood CED 125 Plus that can be mounted tool-free, made of anti-static plastic with plunge function
• Robust, removable metal table with rollers for tilt-free, gentle operation on delicate surfaces
• Guide rail for precise cuts
• Connection for dust extraction Ø 1-1/2″
• Amps = 10.5 AMPS
• Grinding wheel Ø = 5 “
• Rated input power = 1250 W
• Output power = 740 W
• No-load speed = 9600 RPM
• Revolutions at rated load = 8800 RPM
• Torque = 36 in-lbs
• Spindle thread = M 14
• Weight (without power cable) = 9.7 lbs
• Cable length = 13 ft
• Sound pressure level = 94 dB(A)

Making the Cut

The wall chaser is often paired with an aluminum track that makes it function much like a track saw for wood work. I did not have the aluminum tracks so Triad used a 6’ level to guide the saw. That worked very well.

Triad paired the wall chaser to their HEPA filtered dust extractor. The dust shroud connection for extraction is Ø 1-1/2″ and fit their collector’s hose with no issues. The dust collection was perfect with no apparent dust escaping the unit.

The Triad operator, however, made a change to the wall chaser configuration. After the first two feet of cut, he changed the handle from the left to the right side of the unit. This change gave him better stability and he guided the unit with greater accuracy.

The Triad crew cut the fifteen feet of concrete cutting in less than three minutes. The cut was straight and showed no signs of the aggregate dislodging on either side of the cut. The Triad crew was very impressed with the results.

Product Improvements

Triad had some suggestions about product improvements. First, they though the tool would benefit from additional weight. I noticed their walk-behind machine had 20# of weights added to it. While no one would add that amount of weight to a hand tool, the additional mass would certainly help with stability.
Triad also suggested that the barrel grip on the back part of the tool would be improved with the addition of a D-handle. A “D” handle would allow for easier vertical pressure and forward thrust than the plain barrel grip. ( I noticed that the Metabo tool, MFE 40, has such a grip.)

The user can set the depth of the maximum cut with a depth gauge on the back of the tool. In addition, the crew suggested that the 12 125 would work better with a lock that would fix the cut to a particular depth. The entire body currently pivots with no lock between the initial position and the maximum depth setting.

Summary

Triad is in the business of concrete flooring and concrete repairs. While they have a larger walk-behind concrete cutting saw, the Metabo 5″ Masonry Cutting and Scoring Tool fits a real niche where shorter distances, close-in work and more accuracy are important. For my part, the 12 125 played an important to clear up one of my problem areas. I do recommend you purchase the accessory track for it, we didn’t have it, but it would make things a lot easier.

It is a real winner for this type of work.

3 Comments

1. Gary Harris

   March 1, 2019 at 12:52 pm

   Agreed, this Cutting and Scoring Tool is one of the best by Metabow

   Reply
2. Clay

   July 19, 2019 at 2:52 pm

   Any idea what type of blade was used?

   Reply
   1. Rob Robillard

      July 21, 2019 at 9:38 am

      Metabo Diamond

      Reply

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